Device for producing multiple flash signals



.Aug. 30, 1938 H, ABRAM N 2,128,391

DEVICE FOR PRODUCING MULTIPLE FLASH SIGNALS Filed March 24, 1957 2 Sheets- Sheet 1 19 x I 16 /6 47 45 T 4%; INZENTOR Aug. so, 1938.

H. ABRAMSON I DEVICE FOR PRODUCING MULTIPLE FLASH SIGNALS Filed March 24, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Y 35 openings the exact amount of gas which is passed ber remains against seat II until acted upon by 30 Patented Aug. 30, 1938 2,128,391

UNITED STATES PATENT QFFICE DEVICE FOR PRODUCING MULTIPLE FLASH SIGNALS Hugo Abramson, Lidingo, Sweden, assignor to American Gas Accumulator Company, Elizabeth, N. J., a corporation of New Jersey Application March 24, 1937, Serial No. 132,752 In Sweden April 3, 1936 9 Claims. (Cl. 67-111) My invention relates to flashing gas burners Further objects and advantages of my invention and particularly to flashing burners which are will be apparent from the following description operated by variation in the pressure of the gaseconsidered in connection with the accompanying ous fuel. Such devices include a valve for regudrawings which form a part of this specification lating flow of gas to the burner, which valve is and of which: 5 operated by means of a member such as a dia- Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the flow of gas to phragm movable in response to variations in gasthe burner plotted against time; eous pressure. The gaseous fuel is supplied at a Fig. 2 is a more or less diagrammatic cross-secsubstantial constant pressure to the diaphragm tional view of one embodiment of my invention;

chamber where it builds up a pressure sufiicient Fig. 3 is a similar view of another embodiment; 10

to open the valve. The areas of the passages for and flow of gas to and from the diaphragm chamber Fig. 4 is a similar View of a third embodiment. are so proportioned that, when the valve is open Referring more particularly to Fig. 2, reference gas flows to the burner faster than it is admitted character I designates a container in which is disto the chamber. This results in a reduction in posed a flexible diaphragm 2 defining with the 15 pressure and the diaphragm closes the valve. upper part of the container a diaphragm chamber Consequently, gaseous fuel is supplied intermit- 3. A conduit 4 supplies gaseous fuel under prestently to the burner which hence gives a flashing sure to chamber 3 through a throttling device 5. light. A conduit 6 leads from chamber 3 and flow For certain purposes, such as signalling at sea, through this conduit is controlled by means of a it is desirable that multiple flash signals be obvalve member 7 which may be pivoted between tained. For instance, it may be desired to have knife edges 8. The internal cross-sectional area the light give three equally spaced flashes folof conduit 6 is greater than that of throttle 5, lowed by a longer period of darkness and then by whereby gas will flow out of chamber 3, when three more equally spaced flashes. This may be valve 1 is open, faster than it flows in. 1' accomplished by connecting two diaphragm con- Secured to valve member I is an arm 9 which trolled valves in series, the first in the line of flow engages within an aperture formed in a projection having a lower frequency than the second. For ID on the diaphragm. Theaperture is somewhat e e p given, he fi t Valve ho d emain larger than arm 9 so as to constitute a lost motion open long enough to permit the passage of sufficonnection. Thus the diaphragm may move-a 3 cient gas to cause the second valve to open and certain amount without moving the valve memclose three times. However, as a practical matter, her. The valve member 1 and the lower end i I it is impossible to so nicely set the two valves of conduit 6, which forms the valve seat, may be that the second will pass, for instance, in three of magnetized material, whereby the valve memby the first valve in one opening. If the first the diaphragm. A spring [2 is disposed between valve permits a slightly excessive amount of gas the diaphragm and the bottom of container l and to pass, this will accumulate in the connecting acts to move the diaphragm upwardly. The space conduit and in the diaphragm chamber of the I3 between the diaphragm and the bottom of the second valve until there is an excess amount prescontainer is in communication with the atmos- 40 cut which is suflicient to cause an extra opening phere. The apparatus so far described may be of the second valve. Thus, a device adjusted to termed aprimary flasher. operate with three flashes separated by a longer Conduit 6 leads to a secondary flasher which is period of darkness, every so often will give four in all respects similar to the one just described flashes instead of three. Likewise, if the first and like parts are designated by similar reference 45 valve permits an insuflicient quantity of gas to characters to which have been added a prime. pass, every so often two flashes instead of three However, the strength of spring I2 in the secwill be obtained. ondary flasher is less than that of spring l2 in the One of the objects of the present invention is to primary flasher in order that the valve 1' may be provide means for remedying the above defect. operated on smaller variations of pressure than is 50 In accordance with my invention I provide presrequired to operate the valve member 1. This sure responsive means for automatically regulatgives the secondary flasher a higher frequency ing either the amount of gas passed by the first than that of the primary flasher. valve or by the second valve so that these amounts Conduit 6 leading from the secondary flasher bear the proper relation to eachother. leads to a gas burner I4. 55

A conduit I5 communicates with diaphragm chamber 3 of the primary flasher and leads to a container I6 which is divided into two chambers by means of a flexible diaphragm I1. Conduit I5 communicates with chamber I8 formed beneath the diaphragm. Chamber I9, formed on the other side of the diaphragm, communicates with conduit 6 through a conduit 20. A spring 2| is disposed within chamber l9 and a set-screw 22 is provided for adjusting the tension of the spring. 1

Container it and associated elements constitute an automatic pressure responsive regulator, as will be described hereinafter.

The above described device operates as follows:

Gas under pressure is constantly admitted to diaphragm chamber 3 of the primary flasher through conduit 4 and throttling device 5. Valve member 7 at this time is assumed to be in contact with seat II and consequently pressure is built up within chamber 3. This pressure moves the diaphragm 2 downwardly against the force of spring I2 and, when sufiicient movement of the diaphragm has taken place to take up the play between members 9 and I0, valve member I is moved to an open position. Gas then flows through conduit I5 and throttling device 5' to within diaphragm chamber 3' of the secondary flasher where it builds up pressure until diaphragm 2' opens valve member I. Gas then flows to the burner I4 where it is ignited by a constantly burning pilot light, not shown. The internal cross sectional area of conduit 6" is larger than that of throttle 5' and hence gas flows out of diaphragm chamber 3' faster than it is admitted thereto, causing the pressure therein to decrease and diaphragm 2' closes valve member I, thus shutting off flow of gas to the burner and the light is extinguished. The pressure in chamber 3' now begins to'build up again and the cycle of operations is repeated. The primary flasher is adjusted so that valve member I remains open and gas is supplied through conduit 6 to the secondary flasher until the valve of the secondary flasher is opened and closed a certain number of times, for instance three. At this time, the pressure in chamber 3 has dropped sufficiently so that valve member 'I is closed and the flow of gas to the secondary flasher is stopped.

There then results a period of darkness lasting until the pressure in chamber 3'is again built up to a value suflicient to open valve member 'I'.

The above cycle of operation is graphically shown in Fig. 1. The secondary flasher is adjusted so that the valve member I remains open during the time T1 and remains closed during the time T2. The primary flasher is adjusted so that the valve I remains open during the time T3 and remains closed during the time T4. There hence results a flashing period T3 during which time three flashes T1 are produced. This is then followed by a long dark period T4. The valve I thus performs a complete cycle in the times T3 plus T4, and this may be termed a function period of the valve I.

However, it is practically impossible to so adjust the two flashers that the amount of gas passed by the primary flasher in the time T3 is exactly equal to the amount passed by the secondary flasher in the same length of time. If the primary flasher permits an excessive amount of gas to pass, the pressure in the chamber 3 will have started to increase for the fourth time at the instant the valve 1 of the primary flasher closes. Hence, when the valve 1 opens in the upper side of diaphragm IT.

to pass.

next cycle there will be a residue of gas present in the conduit 6 and the chamber 3' which will cause the diaphragm 2' to open the valve 1 somewhat sooner than would otherwise be the case. This residue will accumulate during successive cycles and consequently will eventually amount to enough to actuate the diaphragm 2' an extra time, thus every so often resulting in four consecutive flashes of the burner I4 instead of the desired three.

This extra gas present in the conduit Ii and chamber 3' is utilized to regulate the amount of gas passed by the primary flasher. Assume first that no excess gas has been passed by the primary flasher. Under this condition, a pressure will exist in conduit 6 and chamber 3 during dark period T4 which is determined by the pressure at which diaphragm 2' closes valve I. This pressure, is exerted through conduit 20 on the As the pressure builds up in chamber 3 of the primary flasher While valve "I is closed, this pressure is communicated through conduit I5 to chamber I8 and displaces diaphragm II upwardly against the force of spring 2| and the pressure in chamber I9. Due to this displacement of diaphragm I'I, more gas flows in through throttle 5 before the pressure in chamber 3 is built up sufliciently to open valve 1 than would be the case if container I6 and the associated parts constituting the regulator were omitted. When valve I does open, the gas pressure on opposite sides of diaphragm I'I is equalized, and spring 2| moves the diaphragm downwardly, thus forcing some of the gas in chamber l8 back into chamber 3, from whence it passes into conduit 6. Spring 2| is so adjusted that the displacement of diaphragm I! is such that the total amount of gas passed by the primary flasher in one opening of valve 1 is-as equal as possible to the amount passed by the secondary flasher in three openings of valve I.

However, perfect adjustment is a practical impossibility and the primary flasher may pass an excessive amount of gas. As above described, there will then be-left an excessive residue of gas in conduit 6 and chamber 3 after valve I has closed and after valve I has closed for the third time. Consequently, a higher pressure will be exerted on the upper side of diaphragm I1 and, as pressure builds up in chambers 3 and I8 while valve 1 is closed, this latter pressure will displace diaphragm I'I less than it did in the previous cycle. Hence, when the gas pressure on opposite sides of diaphragm I1 is equalized by the opening of valve I, the diaphragm will be moved back through a correspondingly smaller distance and less gas will be forced back through conduit I5 into chamber 3. Therefore, the primary flasher will pass less gas during the time valve I is open than it did in the previous cycle. Thic compensates for the excessive amount previously passed with the result that the excessive amount is never able to accumulate sufiiciently to open valve I of the secondary flasher an extra time.

It will thus be seenthat the pressure of the gas remaining in conduit 6 and chamber 3' during the dark period T4 is utilizedto regulate the amount of gas which the primary flasher permits If this pressure is high it is an indication that the primary flasher has permitted too much gas to pass and this high pressure is utilized to' reduce the amount of gas" passed by the primary flasher in the next cycle. Thus, the relationship between the amount of gas'pass ing through the primary flasher and through the secondary flasher is maintained constant within close limits.

As will be seen, the pressure of the residue gas 5 in conduit 6 is practically equal to the maximum pressure required to open the valve of the primary flasher (and hence the maximum pressure existing in chamber I8) minus the pressure of the spring 2|. Consequently by regulating the 10 tension of this spring by means of the sets'crew 22 the desired residual pressure in conduit 6 and chamber 3' may be obtained.

In Fig. 1 the end of the final period T1 is shown as coinciding exactly with the end of period T3. As previously explained the valve 1 may close for the third time while valve 1 is still open, thus terminating the final period T1 earlier than period T3 is terminated. In such an event, the automatic regulator operates to reduce the amount of gas passed by valve 1 during its next function period, as above described. Consequently, over a plurality of function periods, both valves pass the same total quantity of gas. It may also happen that the valve 1 closes before valve 1 has closed for the final time, whereupon the final period T1 is not terminated until after the termination of period T3, but extends over slightly into the period T4. However, under this condition, there is no excessive residual pressure in chamber 3 and conduit 6 and the effect;

is not cumulative, as the valve 1' in three openings has passed the same amount of gas as has the valve 1 in one opening. Thus, under either condition, both valves pass the same total quantity of gas during a plurality of function periods of the valve 1.

In the device shown in Fig. 2, the pressure .of the gas required to operate the diaphragm 2 \to open valve 1 remains constant. However,

0 the amount of gas passing through the primary flasher may be varied if the pressure at which valve 2 opens is varied. If the valve opensat a lower pressure, the flow of gas through the valve controlled opening will be less, inasmuch as flow of gas through an orifice or conduit varies with the pressure drop therethrough.

In the apparatus shown in Fig. 3 control is effected in this manner. In this apparatus the primary flasher includes a container 25 divided into three chambers by means of two diaphragms .26 and 21. The lower part of container 25 is of greater diameter than. the upper part and hence the area of diaphragm 21 is greater than that of diaphragm 26. The diaphragms are connected together by means of a rigid member 28, which.

also engages with play the arm 9 on valve member l. A spring 29 is disposed between the bottom of container 25 and lower diaphragm 2?.

Conduit 6 communicates with a secondary go flasher which, as shown, may be identical with that shown in Fig. 2 and the same reference characters have been employed.

A conduit 33 connects conduit 6 with the space 3| between diaphragms 2t and 21.

5 It will be seen that the resultant force acting on valve member I is equal to the pressure of the gas acting on the upper side of diaphragm 26, minus the pressure of the gas acting on the lower side of this diaphragm, plus the pressure 70 of the gas acting downwardly on diaphragm 21,

minus the pressure of the spring 29 acting upwardly. Inasmuch as diaphragm 21 has a larger surface than diaphragm 26, an increase in pressure of the gas within chamber 3! will increase 75 the resultant downwardly acting gas pressure exerted against spring 29. Consequently if the residual pressure in conduit 5, and chamber 3, and hence in chamber 3i is higher, less pressure will be required in chamber 3 to open valve 1 than would be the case if the residual pressure were 5 lower. If the valve 1 opens at lower pressure the gas will pass through conduit 6 at a slower rate than it would if the pressure were higher. Consequently less gas will be passed by the primary flasher. 10 I On the other hand, if in the previous cycle the primary flasher has not passed enough gas this will be reflected in a lower residual pressure in conduit 6 and chamber BI and a higher pressure in chamber 3 will be required to open the valve. 15

This higher pressure will result in gas passing through conduit 5 at a more rapid rate. Consequently, the amount of gas passed by the primary flasher is controlled by the residual pressure and the same ultimate result is obtained with this ap- 20 paratus as with the apparatus shown in Fig. 2.

Instead of regulating the amount of gas passed by the primary flasher in order to maintain equal the amounts passed by the two flashers, the same ultimate result may be obtained by regulating 5 the amount passed by the secondary flasher. An apparatus operating in this manner is shown in Fig. 4.

In Fig. 4 the primary flasher may be identical with that shown in Fig. 2 and corresponding parts 30 are designated by the same reference characters. The secondary flasher, however, consists of a container 35 divided by a diaphragm 36 into chambers 3'! and 38, both chambers being closed to the atmosphere. Conduit 6 communicates 35 through throttling device 5' with chamber 31.

A valve member 'l' is controlled by diaphragm 3B.

A conduit 39 connects conduit 3 with chamber 38, the conduit being provided with a throttling device 49. A spring 4! is disposed in chamber 38 "4 and bears upwardly against the diaphragm 36.

In the device above described, if the residual pressure in conduit 6 and chamber 31 is high at the time valve 7 closes, this pressure during the dark period T4 builds up in chamber 38 4 through throttling device Ml. Consequently, when valve '3 in the primary flasher again opens and admits gas to chamber 3?, a higher pressure in this chamber is required in order to move the diaphragm 36 sufficiently to open valve 1. When, 50 however, the valve does open the gas passes into conduit 6 to the burner at a higher rate due to this higher pressure. Consequently, the secondary flasher consumes more gas when the residual pressure is high than when it is low. Thus, it 5 the primary flasher tends to pass too much gas, the secondary flasher is regulated to consume this gas and in this way the ratio between the amounts of gas passing through the two flashers is maintained constant.

While I have shown three more or less specific embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that this has been done for the purposes of illustration only and is not to be considered as limiting the scope of my invention, which is to be t determined by the appended claims viewed in the light of the prior art.

What I claim is:

1. In a device for producing multiple flash signals by an illuminating gas burner, a first valve. means responsive to variations in pressure of the illuminating gas for intermittently opening and closing said valve at regular intervals, a second valve connected in series with said first valve, means responsive to variations in pressure of the 76 .illuminating 'gas for intermittently opening and closing said second valve at regular intervals a plurality of times while said first valve is open, and means responsive to Variations in pressure of the illuminating gas for automatically maintaining equal the amounts of gas passed by said valves during a plurality of function periods of said first valve.

2. In a device for producing multiple flash signals, a first valve, means responsive to variations in pressure of gas ahead of said valve for opening and closing said valve at regular intervals, a second valve connected in series with said first valve, means responsive to variations in pressure of gas ahead of said second valve for opening and closing said second valve at regular intervals a plurality of times each time said first valve is open, and means responsive to pres sure between said valves for maintaining equal the quantities of gas passed by said valves during a plurality of function periods of said first valve.

3. In a device for producing multiple fiash signals by an illuminating gas burner, a first valve, means responsive to variations in pressure of the illuminating gas for intermittently opening and closing said valve at regular intervals, a second valve connected in series with said first valve, means responsive to variations in pressure of the illuminating gas for intermittently opening and closing said second valve at regular intervals a plurality of times while said first valve is open, and means responsive to variations in pressure of the illuminating gas for regulating the amount of gas passed by said first valve so as to maintain equal the amounts of gas passed by the two valves during a plurality of function periods of said first valve.

4. In a device for producing multiple fiash signals by an illuminating gas burner, a first valve, means responsive to Variations in pressure of the illuminating gas for intermittently opening and closing said valve at regular intervals, a second valve connected in series with said first valve, means responsive to variations in pressure of the iluminating gas for intermittently opening and closing said second valve at regular intervals a plurality of times while said first valve is open, and means responsive to variations in pressure of illuminating gas for regulating the amount of gas passed by said second valve so as to maintain substantially equal the amounts of gas passed by the two valves during a plurality of function periods of said first valve.

5. In a device for producing multiple flash signals, a first valve, means responsive to variations in pressure of gas ahead of said valve for opening and closing said valve at regular intervals, a second valve connected in series with said first valve, means responsive to variations in pressure of gas ahead of said second valve for opening and closing said second valve at regular intervals a plurality of times each time said first valve is open, and means responsive to pressure between said valves for regulating the quantity of gas passed by said. first valve so as to maintain substantially equal the quantities of gas passed by the two valves during a plurality of function periods of said first valve.

vals, a second valve connected inseries with said first valve, means responsive to variations in pressure of gas ahead of said second valve for'openingand closing said second valve at regular intervals a plurality of times each time said first valve is open, and means responsive to pressure between said valves for regulating the quantity of gas passed by said second valve so as to maintain substantially equal the quantities of gas passed by the two valves during a plurality of function periods of said first valve.

7. In a device for producing multiple 'fiash signals, a first valve, means responsive to variations in pressure of gas ahead of said valve for opening and closing said valve at regular intervals, a second valve, means responsive to varia- Q20 tions of pressure of gas ahead of said second valve for opening and closing said second valve at regular intervals a plurality of times each time said first valve is open, conduit means connecting said valves in-series, means defining a a closed. space, a displaceable diaphragm dividing said space into a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber being connected ahead of said first valve and the second chamber being connected to said conduit between said valves, and resilient means for resisting displacement of said diaphragm by gas in said first chamber.

8. In a device for producing multiple fiash signals, a container, a first diaphragm and a sec-, ond diaphragm disposed in said container, said first diaphragm .having less area thansaid sec ond diaphragm and said diaphragms beingrigidly connected so as tomovein unison, means for supplying gas to the chamber bounded by said first diaphragm, a conduit leading fromsaid chamber, a valve controlled by .movement of said diaphragm for regulating fiow of gas fromsaid chamber through said conduit, a second valve fed by gas from said conduit, means responsive to variations of pressure of gas ahead of said second valve for opening and closing said second valve at regular intervals during the time said first valve is open, means establishing communication between said conduit and the chamber formed between said first and second diaphragms, and Q50 resilient means urging said diaphragms in a direction to close said first valve.

9. In a device for producing multiple flash signals, a first valve, means responsive tovariations in pressure of gas ahead of said valve for open- 5355 HUGO ABRAMSON. 

